Islamabad  - Helicopter gunships Thursday pounded militants hideouts in Pakistan's tribal region that borders Afghanistan, killing at least 18 rebels, said a security official.

"Several positions of the militants were destroyed in the action that took place in three areas," said an official of the Mohmand Rifles, the paramilitary force deployed in the area.

"At least 18 militants were killed and scores of others injured," added the official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The security action came five days after Islamist insurgents killed 14 tribal policemen in an ambush on a security convoy in the district, a safe-haven of Taliban and al-Qaeda militants launching cross border attacks on US-led international forces in Afghanistan. (dpa)